The Gibby to 'Welcome, Spring' with annual seasonal-themed fundraiser

Guests who show up at The Gibby in spring-themed attire on Saturday — which can be anything from donning a straw hat to sporting a flower costume — will receive one free raffle ticket that could win them a neat prize from the silent auction.

In honor of the first weekend of spring, the Brain Injury Association of Delaware will host its second annual fundraiser, "Welcome, Spring," with décor, art activities and food that all play up to this seasonal theme. The event will be held at the Gilbert W. Perry, Jr. Center for the Arts on Saturday.

Proceeds from the fundraiser will benefit the BIAD, a non-profit organization based in Dover whose mission is to create a better future through brain injury prevention, research, education and advocacy. All "Welcome, Spring" activities are free, except for guests interested in staying for dinner (which is $30) and for anyone interested in purchasing raffle tickets (which are $5 each).

Guests who show up at The Gibby in spring-themed attire on Saturday — which can be anything from donning a straw hat to sporting a flower costume — will receive one free raffle ticket that could win them a neat prize from the silent auction.

The silent auction features goodies like paintings and an autographed version of Philadelphia, Pa., illustrator Andrew Hoffman's comic book "Gadzooks, the Minotaur!" said Tracey Landmann, who sits on BIAD's advisory board, and is also a director for its Art Club program. Landmann, who was also an exhibitor and art camp director at The Gibby in 2011, has donated her oil painting titled "Living Tureen" to be available for bid in the auction.

Spring into action

"Welcome, Spring" will include a workshop that allows guests to create their own Fabergé eggs. Made popular by Russian jeweler Peter Fabergé — Fabergé eggs are lavish ones crafted from precious metals and gemstones. Participants will recreate their own luxurious eggs with enamel paint, beads, sequins and other decorations.

"Real Fabergé eggs are worth several million dollars," Landmann, of Wilmington, said with a smile. "As none of us can afford them, we'll make our own."

Various illustrations from the BIAD's Art Club members will be exhibited at The Gibby. The Art Club is a program designed to help mentally challenged individuals improve their mental well-being by creating art.

"I believe and, a lot of people believe, art and confidence-development are very closely intertwined," Landmann said. "Some studies show that awareness is related to short-term memory and creativity enhances the strengths of executive function." Executive function is a person's ability to process information in order to perform a certain task, Landmann added.

Page 2 of 2 - Let's have a picnic

After working up an appetite from creating fabulous Fabergé eggs, guests can enjoy a picnic-themed dinner held indoors at The Gibby at 6 p.m., which will include sandwiches, macaroni salad, chips and cupcakes.